I would read this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599
Basically I would not skip any rides that have counterparts at WDW, because most of them are very different and in some cases superior. And I think Hydroguy has that all covered in that sticky I gave you!
As I recall however, Hydroguy doens't have much about character meals/dining in that thread. My favorite character meal at any Disney park is Goofy's Kitchen at the
Disneyland Hotel. It serves all three meals which is sort of nice. I also like the Lilo and Stitch breakfast at the Paradise Pier Hotel. Ariel's in DCA is very similar in theming to the princess meal at Norway in Epcot. And Minnie has a breakfast right inside Disneyland which is very convenient. It does not open early before the park however the way Crystal Palace and CRT do which is too bad. I love the counterservice options at DL, the portions are huge and easy to share in many/most cases.
If you click on the brown dining link at the top of this page you'll find information on dining. Also, allearsnet has some good information in dining and other Disneyland information. I would make priority seatings pretty quick, especially if you want to go to Blue Bayou (much like San Angel Inn since its riverside dining inside a ride) since its very popular.
Check out that link I gave and then also check out allears and the brown links at the top of this board, I think you'll find quite a bit of good information. Disneyland is very different than WDW but still has a lot to do. Your knowledge of fastpass etc., will serve you well. Above all, its critical to get to Disneyland at opening, it has a huge local base of attenders and they don't typically get there first thing. Your park hopper ticket will have one Early Entry day attached to it, if you are staying onsite, you can do Early Entry each day its offered. Hydroguy gives you the 411 on EE as well.
Good luck and have fun at Disneyland!
This is our first time. (We have been to WDW many times.) 
